SECTION 4
FIRE SAFE STANDARDS
ORDINANCE No. 5905
Article II.
§ 13-6
Fire Safe Standards Definitions
Definitions
Article V.
Fire Safe Standards.
Division A.
In General.
§ 13-24 Scope of coverage
§ 13-25 Exemptions.
§ 13-26 Administration and enforcement - Inspections.
§ 13-27 Distance measurements.
Division B.
Emergency Access.
§ 13-28 Intent.
§ 13-29 Availability of emergency access.
§ 13-30 Road and driveway surfaces.
§ 13-31 Road and driveway grades.
§ 13-32 Road and driveway horizontal curves and intersections
§ 13-33 Roadway and driveway structures (bridges).
§ 13-34 Two-way roads.
§ 13-35 One-way roads.
§ 13-36 Dead-end roads.
§ 13-37 Driveways.
§ 13-38 Gate entrances.
Division C.
Signing and Building Numbers.
§ 13-39 Intent.
§ 13-40 Names of roads.
§ 13-41 Size of letters, numbers and symbols for road signs.
§ 13-42 Visibility and legibility of road signs.
§ 13-43 Orientation and height of road signs.
§ 13-44 Placement of road signs identifying intersecting roads.
§ 13-45 Signs identifying traffic access limitations.
§ 13-46 Addresses for buildings.
§ 13-47 Size of letters, numbers and symbols for addresses.
§ 13-48 Installation, location and visibility of addresses.
Division D.
Emergency Water Supply.
§ 13-50 Intent.
§ 13-51 Emergency water supply.
§ 13-52 Hydrants.
§ 13-53 Signing of water sources.
Division E.
Fuel Modification.
§ 13-54 Intent.
§ 13-55 Setback for building defensible space.
§ 13-56 Flammable vegetation clearance areas for roads and driveways.
§ 13-57 Setbacks for planted vegetation from electric power lines—Installation of new power lines.
§ 13-58 Disposal of flammable vegetation and fuels.
§ 13-59 Greenbelts and Defensible space
§ 13-60 Roofing.
Division F.
Other Fire Protection Measures.
§ 13-61 Intent.
§ 13-62 Alternate fire protection measures.
§ 13-63 Additional fire protection measures.
4.1
Revised 1/2011
Sec. 13-6 Definitions.
Unless the provision or context requires otherwise, the definitions contained in this section shall govern the
construction of this chapter. The definition of a word applies to any of that word’s variants.
“Accessory Building” means any building containing solely a Group U occupancy as defined in the
County Building Code.
“Agricultural Building” means any structure designed and constructed to house farm implements, hay,
grain, poultry, livestock or other horticultural products. This structure shall not be a place of human habitation or a
place of employment where agricultural products are processed, treated or packaged; nor shall it be a place used by
the public.
“Agricultural Operation” means includes the cultivation and tillage of the soil, dairying, the production,
cultivation, growing and harvesting of any agricultural commodity, including timber, viticulture, apiculture or
horticulture, and the raising of livestock, fur bearing animals, fish or poultry.
“All-weather Driving Surface” means any surface that provides unobstructed access to conventional
drive vehicles, including sedans and fire engines, and is capable of supporting a forty thousand (40,000) pound axle
load during wet weather conditions.
“Board of Building Appeals” means the board of building appeals created in Chapter 7 of the Sonoma
County Code.
“Building” means any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.
Building is also any structure as to which state agencies have regulatory power, and housing or enclosure of
persons, animals, chattels, equipment or property of any kind. Building is also any structure wherein things may be
grown, made, produced, kept, handled, stored or disposed of, and all appendages, accessories, apparatus, appliances
and equipment installed as a part thereof. Building shall not include machinery, equipment or appliances installed
for manufacture or process purposes only, nor shall it include any construction installations which are not a part of
a building, any tunnel, mine shaft, highway or bridge, or include any house trailer or vehicle which conforms to the
California Vehicle Code.
NOTE: Building shall have the same meaning as defined in Health and Safety Code, Section 17920 and
18908 for the applications specified in Sections 101.17.9 and 101.17.10 of the Building Code.
“Building, existing” means a building legally erected prior to the adoption of this Code, or one for which
a legal building permit was issued for the construction or legalization thereof prior to the adoption of this Code.
“Building, new” means a building for which a legal building permit is issued for the construction or
legalization thereof after the adoption of this Code.
“Building Code” means the County Building Code as set forth in Chapter 7 of the Sonoma County Code.
“Building Official” means the Chief Building Official as defined in Section 7-2 of the Sonoma County
Code.
“California Fire Code” means the regulations in California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 9, 2010
California Fire Code, which incorporate by adoption the 2009 Edition of the International Fire Code of the
International Code Council with necessary California amendments.
4.2
Revised 1/2011
“Central Alarm Station” means a publicly or privately operated alarm receiving center that is constantly
attended by appropriately trained staff.
“Chief” means the County Fire Chief or his or her authorized representative for those portions of the
unincorporated area of the County not in a fire protection district, and the local fire chief or his or her authorized
representative for those portions of the unincorporated area of the County in a local fire protection district.
Notwithstanding the preceding, the County Fire Chief shall be responsible for plan checking and inspection of new
construction and alterations subject to this Code within both those portions of the unincorporated area of the
County not in a fire protection district and those portions of the unincorporated area of the county in a local fire
protection district, unless a local fire protection district notifies the County Fire Chief in writing that it has elected
to have the local fire chief exercise those responsibilities within its jurisdictional area.
“Commercial building” means any building containing an occupancy other than a Group R-3
Occupancy, a one- or two-family dwelling, or Group U occupancy accessory to a Group R-3 Occupancy, as defined
in the County building code.
“County” means the County of Sonoma, in the state of California.
“County Building Code” means the building regulations in Chapter 7 of this Code.
“County Fire Chief” means the Director of County Fire and Emergency Services Department.
“County Fire Prevention Officers Association” means the Sonoma County Fire Prevention Officers
Association.
“Dairy Milking Facility” means a single story structure constructed of non-combustible materials
with two or more open sides that is used exclusively for milking dairy animals. A dairy milking facility may
have either an office or a storage area of less than four hundred (400) square feet. A dairy milking facility shall
not have any sleeping areas within the structure.
“Dangerous Fireworks” means dangerous fireworks as defined in Health and Safety Code, Section
12505.
“Dead-end Road” means any road that has only one point of vehicular ingress/egress, including cul-de­
sacs and looped or circular roads.
“Development Approval” means any of the following: (1) any discretionary approval granted pursuant
to Chapter 25, 26, or 26C of this Code to allow residential, commercial, or industrial development of land,
including, but not limited to, any approval of a zone change, tentative map, lot line adjustment, use permit, or
design review; (2) any building permit issued pursuant to Chapter 7 of this Code to erect, construct, enlarge, alter,
repair, move, improve, or convert any building, or to install a manufactured home; or (3) any grading permit issued
pursuant to Chapter 7 of this Code to construct a new road or driveway, or to extend, reconstruct, or improve an
existing road or driveway.
“Director of Forestry and Fire Protection” means the Director of the California Department of
Forestry and Fire Protection or his or her authorized representative.
“Director of Permit and Resource Management” means the Director of Permit and Resource
Management of the County or his or her authorized representative.
“Driveway” means any way or place in private ownership that provides vehicular access to no more than
two (2) residential buildings, containing no more than three (3) dwelling units, and any number of accessory
buildings on a single parcel.
4.3
Revised 1/2011
“Driveway Structure” means any bridge, culvert or other appurtenant structure that supplements the
driveway bed or shoulder.
“Dwelling Unit” means any building or portion thereof which contains living facilities, including
provisions for sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation, as required by the County Building Code, for not more
than one (1) family.
“Exception” means an alternative to a standard specified in Article V of this chapter that is requested
by an applicant for development due to health, safety, environmental conditions, physical site limitations or
other limiting conditions, and provides mitigation of a problem.
“Executive Body” means the Board of Supervisors of Sonoma County for those portions of the County
not in a fire protection district, and the Board of Directors of the Fire Protection District having jurisdiction for
those portions of the County in that Fire Protection District.
“Exterior Wall” means any wall or element of a wall, or any member or group of members, which
defines the exterior boundaries or courts of a building and which has a slope of sixty (60) degrees or greater
with the horizontal plane.
“Existing Building.” See “building, existing.”
“Fire Alarm” means any device, control or circuit designed to produce an alarm signal in the event of fire
or system activation, together with the energy necessary to sound an alarm, electrically supervise the system where
required, and activate the alarm bells, trouble bells or trouble signals.
“Fire and Emergency Services Department” means the Sonoma County Fire and Emergency Services
Department.
“Fire Apparatus Access Road” means a road that provides fire apparatus access from a fire station to a
facility, building or portion thereof. This is a general term inclusive of all other terms such as fire lane, public
street, private street, parking lot lane and access roadway. Public streets maybe defined by the standards of the local
agency having jurisdiction over the project.
“Fire Department” means the Fire and Emergency Services Department of the County for those
unincorporated areas of the County not in a local fire protection district, and the local fire protection district having
jurisdiction for those unincorporated areas of the County in a local fire protection district.
“Fire Lane” means that portion of an access roadway reserved for emergency vehicles and the conduct of
fire fighting or rescue operations, or as designated by the fire department, and posted in accordance with California
Vehicle Code Section 22500.1.
“Fireworks” means any fireworks as defined in Health and Safety Code, Section 12511.
“Floor Area-Fire Flow Calculations” means the floor area used for calculating the required fire flow
shall be the total floor area of all floor levels within the exterior walls that are under the horizontal projection
of the roof, except as modified in Appendix B, Section B104.
“General Plan” means the Sonoma County general plan.
“Greenbelt” means a facility or land use, designed for a use other than fire protection which will slow
or resist the spread of a wildfire. Greenbelts include parking lots, irrigated or landscaped areas, golf courses,
parks, playgrounds, maintained vineyards, orchards and annual crops that do not cure in the field.
4.4
Revised 1/2011
“Hammerhead/T” means a roadway that provides a “T” shaped, three-point turnaround space for
emergency equipment. The turnaround space shall be no narrower than the road it serves.
“HS 20” means the HS 20 class of highway loading as defined by the American Association of State
Highway and Transportation Officials.
“Hydrant” means a valve connection on a water supply/storage system to supply fire apparatus and hoses
with water.
“Jurisdiction” means the County of Sonoma, in the State of California.
“Jurisdictional Area” means the territory within a local fire protection district.
“Local Fire Chief” means the Fire Chief of a local fire protection district or his or her authorized
representative.
“Local Fire Protection District” means any fire protection district organized and operating under the
provisions of the Fire Protection District Law of 1987, Part 3 (commencing with Section 13800) of Division 12 of
the Health and Safety Code, or any other special district lawfully exercising any of the powers, functions, or duties
vested in or imposed upon a fire protection district pursuant to the Fire Protection District Law of 1987, all or part
of whose territory is within the unincorporated area of the County. Notwithstanding the preceding, local fire
protection district shall not include any county service area organized and operating under the provisions of the
County Service Area Law, Chapter 2.2 (commencing with Section 25210.1) of Part 2 of Division 2 of Title 3 of the
Government Code.
“Local responsibility Area” means that portion of the unincorporated area of the County not classified
by the State Board of Forestry as a state responsibility area.
“Manufactured Home” means any manufactured home as defined in Health and Safety Code, Sections
18007, 18008 and 19971.
“National Fire Codes” means the most current edition of the National Fire Codes published by the
National Fire Protection Association.
“New Building.” See “building, new.”
“Non-urban Parcel” means any parcel served by a water system other than a public water system.
“Occupancy” means the purpose for which a building or part thereof is used or intended to be used.
“One-way Road” means a road designed for traffic flow in one (1) direction only.
“Open Burning” means any combination of combustible material of any type outdoors in the open, not in
any enclosure, where the productions of combustion are not directed through a flue. Open burning shall not include
a fire in a barbecue pit, either permanent or portable, when the barbecue pit is operated on a patio or other
appropriate dooryard area adjacent to and in conjunction with the dwelling of the person operating the barbecue pit.
“Planning Official” means the Director of the Permit and Resource Management Department.
“Private Riding Arena” means an enclosed or unenclosed building or portion of a building used
exclusively for private equestrian activities by the building owner, guests, or employees, not to exceed a maximum
capacity of thirty (30) persons. The area within a private riding arena shall not be used for storage areas, animal
stalls, offices, viewing areas, shows, events, public riding lessons, or similar uses or occupancies. A private riding
arena shall be classified as a Group U, Division 3 occupancy.
4.5
Revised 1/2011
“Private Road” means any way or place in private ownership that provides vehicular access to more than
one (1) parcel, to a commercial building or agricultural operation on a single parcel, or to more than two (2)
residential buildings or two (2) residential buildings, containing more than three (3) dwelling units, on a single
parcel.
“Public Display of Fireworks” means any public display of fireworks as defined in Health and Safety
Code, Section 12524.
“Public Road” means any county highway or state highway.
“Public Water System” means a system, regardless of type of ownership, for the provision of piped
water to the public for human consumption that has fifteen (15) or more service connections.
“Residential Building” means any one- or two-family dwelling containing a Group R-3 Occupancy, or
Group U occupancy accessory to a Group R-3 Occupancy as defined in the County Building Code.
“Road” means any public or private road.
“Roadway” means that portion of any road improved, designed or ordinarily used for vehicular travel.
“Roadway Structure” means any bridge, culvert or other appurtenant structure that supplements the
roadway bed or shoulder.
“Same Practical Effect” means an exception or alternative with the capability of applying accepted fire
suppression strategies and tactics, and provisions for fire fighter safety, including: (1) access for emergency fire
equipment; (2) safe civilian evacuation; (3) signing that avoids delays in emergency equipment response; (4)
available and accessible water to effectively attack a fire or defend a structure from a wildfire; and (5) fuel
modification sufficient for civilian and fire fighter safety.
“Shall” is mandatory and “May” is permissive, however, use of the word “shall” in this Code is not
intended to, nor shall it be deemed to create a mandatory duty imposed by enactment within the meaning of
Government Code, Section 815.6.
“Shoulder” means the roadbed or surface of a roadway adjacent to the traffic lane.
“Single-family Dwelling” means a dwelling that contains one dwelling unit for one family of one or
more persons. Single-family dwelling does not include a dwelling used for a large family day-care home, lodging
house, congregate residence, or other similar use.
“Standard Specifications for Highway Bridges” means the Standard Specifications for Highway
Bridges 17th Edition, 2002, published by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.
“State Responsibility Area” means that portion of the unincorporated area of the County classified by
the State Board of Forestry as a state responsibility area.
“Structure” means that which is built or constructed, an edifice or building of any kind, or any piece of
work artificially built up or composed of parts joined together in some definite manner.
“Subdivision” means any subdivision as defined in Government Code, Section 66424 and Section 25-2
of this Code.
“Subdivision Ordinance” means the Subdivision Ordinance of Sonoma County.
4.6
Revised 1/2011
“Traffic Lane” means that portion of a roadway that provides a single line of vehicle travel.
“Turnaround” means a roadway, unobstructed by parking, which allows for a safe opposite change of
direction for emergency equipment.
“Turnout” means a widening on a roadway or driveway to allow vehicles to pass.
“Two-family Dwelling” means a dwelling that contains two (2) dwelling units for two (2) families of one
or more persons. Two-family dwelling does not include a dwelling used for a large family day-care home, lodging
house, congregate residence, or other similar use.
“Two-way Road” means a road designed for traffic flow in opposing directions.
“Urban Parcel” means any parcel served by a public water system or mutual water system.
“Vertical Clearance” means the minimum specified height of a bridge or overhead projection above a
roadway.
“Wildfire” means a wildfire as defined in Public Resources Code, Sections 4103 and 4104.
Article V. Fire Safe Standards
Sec. 13-23. Compliance with standards required - Exceptions to standards.
(a) All development subject to the provisions of this article shall be constructed and maintained in
compliance with the standards specified in this article. Approvals and permits for any development may be
withheld or refused until adequate provision has been made to ensure such compliance.
(b) Exceptions to the standards specified in this article and mitigated practices may be allowed where the
exception or mitigated practice provides the same overall practical effect as the specified standards.
(c) Application for an exception or mitigated practice shall be made in writing by an applicant for
development or the applicant's authorized representative. The application shall state the specific section or sections
of this article for which an exception or mitigated practice is proposed, material facts supporting the contention of
the applicant, the details of the exception or mitigated practice proposed, and a map showing the proposed location
and setting of the exception or mitigated practice. The burden of proving that a proposed exception or mitigated
practice is warranted shall be on the applicant.
(d) The County Fire Chief shall determine whether to grant, deny, or modify any application for an
exception or mitigated practice filed in connection with the issuance of any building permit. The planning
commission, board of zoning adjustments, project review and advisory committee, or design review committee
shall determine whether to grant, deny, or modify any application for an exception or mitigated practice filed in
connection with any development approval under their respective jurisdictions. Modification of an application for
an exception or mitigated practice by the County Fire Chief, planning commission, board of zoning adjustments,
project review and advisory committee, or design review committee shall be limited to the alternate fire protection
measures specified in Section 13-62.
(e) Where an application for an exception or mitigated practice is denied or modified, the applicant may
appeal such denial or modification. Appeal from a denial or modification by the County Fire Chief shall be made
pursuant to Article III of this chapter. Appeal from a denial or modification by the planning commission, board of
zoning adjustments, project review and advisory committee, or design review committee shall be made pursuant to
4.7
Revised 1/2011
Chapter 25 or Chapter 26 of this Code, as appropriate. In order to grant an appeal, the body hearing the appeal
must find that the exception or mitigated practice proposed meets the intent of this article.
(f) A written copy of any decision granting an appeal within a state responsibility area shall be provided
to the director of forestry and fire protection within ten (10) days after the decision is final.
Sec. 13-24. Scope of coverage.
(a) Except as otherwise provided in Section 13-25, the provisions of this article shall apply to all
development on all lands within the unincorporated area of the county.
(b) Except as otherwise provided in this article, all applications for development approvals shall
be accompanied by plans, engineering calculations, and other data necessary to determine compliance with the
provisions of this article.
(c) Except as otherwise provided in this article, compliance with the provisions of this article
shall occur prior to the commencement of construction of any structure unless otherwise authorized by the County
Fire Chief.
Sec. 13-25. Exemptions.
The provisions of this article shall not apply to any of the following, except to the extent provided for
herein:
(a) Any building granted an agricultural exemption pursuant to Chapter 7 of this Code, provided that the
building does not exceed 8,000 square feet in size and is not located in a state responsibility area.
(b) Any road or bridge used exclusively for access to an agricultural operation; or an agricultural exempt
structure; or a Group U, Occupancy accessory to a one- or two-family residential dwelling, as defined in the County
Building Code, that is under less than1,000 square feet in area.
(c)
Any road or bridge used exclusively for the management and harvesting of wood products.
(d) Any new building having a floor area of less than six hundred forty (640) square feet and containing
an occupancy other than a detached Group U Occupancy as defined in the County Building Code, except that the
provisions of Divisions C and E of this article shall apply to all such buildings.
(e) Any new building accessory to a one-or two-family residential dwelling with a floor area of less than
one thousand (1,000) square feet and containing a detached Group U Occupancy as defined in the County Building
Code, except that the provisions of Divisions C and E of this article shall apply to all such buildings.
(f) Any existing road that provides year-round unobstructed access to conventional drive vehicles,
including sedans and fire engines, which was constructed and serving a legal parcel prior to January 1, 1992, except
that (1) the provisions of Division C of this article shall apply to all such roads, and (2) all of the other provisions
of this article shall apply to any such road if it is extended, reconstructed or improved pursuant to a development
approval, but only to the portion of the road that is extended, reconstructed or improved.
(g) Any road required as a condition of any development approval granted prior to January 1, 1992,
except that (1) the provisions of Division C of this article shall apply to all such roads, and (2) all of the other
provisions of this article shall apply to any such road if it is extended, reconstructed or improved pursuant to a new
development approval, but only to the portion of the road that is extended, reconstructed or improved.
(h) Any driveway serving a legally constructed residential building prior to January 1, 1992, except that
(1) the provisions of Division C of this article shall apply to all such roads, and (2) all of the other provisions of this
article shall apply to any such driveway if it is extended, reconstructed or improved pursuant to a new development
4.8
Revised 1/2011
approval, but only to the portion of the driveway that is extended, reconstructed or improved.
(i) Any legal or legal non-conforming building constructed prior to January 1, 1992, or any building for
which a building permit was issued or an application for a building permit was accepted as complete for filing prior
to January 1, 1992; except that the provisions of this article shall apply to any such building if the occupancy is
changed, altered, or otherwise converted to any Group R, Division 3 occupancy as defined in the County Building
Code.
(j) Any addition to an existing building adding a floor area less than six hundred forty (640) square feet
including a detached Group U Occupancy as defined in the County Building Code, except that the provisions of
Divisions C and E of this article shall apply to all such buildings.
Sec. 13-26. Administration and enforcement - Inspections.
(a) The administration and enforcement of the provisions of this article shall be the shared responsibility
of the County Fire Chief and the Director of Permit and Resource Management.
(b) Inspections to determine compliance with the provisions of this article shall be the responsibility of
the County Fire Chief or the Director of Permit and Resource Management, as appropriate. The County Fire Chief
or the Director of Permit and Resource Management may authorize a local fire chief to conduct inspections within a
local fire protection district under the direction of the County Fire Chief or the Director of Permit and Resource
Management. In such cases, inspection results shall be provided to the County Fire Chief or the Director of Permit
and Resource Management promptly after completion of the inspection.
Sec. 13-27. Distance measurements.
All distances specified or referenced in this article shall be measured horizontally unless otherwise stated.
Division B. Emergency Access.
Sec. 13-28. Intent.
This division establishes minimum emergency access requirements to provide safe access for emergency
fire equipment and civilian evacuation concurrently, and to allow unobstructed traffic circulation during a wildfire
emergency.
Sec. 13-29. Availability of emergency access.
All buildings shall be accessible to emergency fire equipment by a road or driveway constructed to within
one hundred fifty (150) feet of any portion of an exterior wall of the first story of the building or such closer
distance as the Director of Permit and Resource Management deems necessary to provide adequate access for
emergency fire equipment. All buildings located on slopes of greater than five percent (5%) shall also include such
additional fire protection measures under Section 13-63, as the County Fire Chief deems necessary to mitigate
access constraints.
Sec. 13-30. Road and driveway surfaces.
All roads and driveways shall have all-weather driving surfaces. All structural sections shall be
constructed so as to meet or exceed the following standards:
(a)
On level areas and grades of less than five percent (5%), roads and driveways shall have a gravel
surface. The structural section of the road or driveway shall be at least one foot (1') of compacted Class 2
4.9
Revised 1/2011
Aggregate Base.
(b)
On grades of between five percent (5%) and ten percent (10%), roads and driveways shall have a
double seal coat surface. The structural section of the road or driveway shall have an armor coat surface,
constructed according to CalTrans Standard Specifications Section 37, Bituminous Seal Double Application, and
the base portion of the road or driveway shall be at least one foot (1') of compacted Class 2 Aggregate Base.
(c)
On grades of greater than ten percent (10%), roads and driveways shall have an asphalt concrete
surface. The structural section of the road or driveway shall be asphalt concrete of at least two tenths of one foot
(0.2') thick. The base portion of the structural section shall be at least five tenths of one foot (0.5') of compacted
Class 2 Aggregate Base.
(d)
In lieu of the prescriptive structural sections required by subsections (a), (b) and (c), a design of
the section may be prepared by a licensed civil engineer using a soils investigation that provides soil R-value and
expansion index. Alternatively, the engineer may use an R-value of 5 and waive the soil report unless a soil
engineering report is required because of specific site conditions. The traffic index to be used for the design shall
be not less than 3.5.
Sec. 13-31. Road and driveway grades.
(a)
No road or driveway shall have a maximum grade in excess of fifteen percent (15%), without the
approval of the County Fire Chief. In granting such approval, the County Fire Chief may require such additional
fire protection measures under Section 13-63 as he or she deems necessary to mitigate access constraints. A road or
driveway may include grades up to twenty percent (20%) for distances not exceeding three hundred feet (300')
within any one thousand feet (1,000') of road or driveway.
(b)
A vertical curve shall be required for any road or driveway when the algebraic difference in grade
exceeds three percent (3%) for driveways, and two percent (2%) for private roads. The length of any vertical curve
shall not be less than fifty feet (50').
(c)
The maximum surface cross slope shall be five percent (5%) for all surface types unless a greater
cross slope is required to meet super elevation requirements. The minimum surface cross slope for all surface types
shall be two percent (2%).
(d)
Turnarounds shall have a maximum longitudinal slope of eight percent (8%). The longitudinal
slope is defined as the slope corresponding to the long axis of a vehicle as it travels into, out of, and through a
turnaround. This slope shall be maintained beginning and ending at the point of tangency of the edge of pavement
curves for the turnaround. The cross slope perpendicular to the longitudinal slope shall not exceed five percent
(5%).
Sec. 13-32. Road and driveway horizontal curves and intersections.
(a)
No road or driveway shall have a horizontal inside radius of curvature of less than fifty feet (50').
If the roadway or driveway width is less than twenty-four feet (24'), then additional roadway or driveway widths
shall be required as follows:
(1)
Four feet (4') of additional width for curves with a horizontal inside radius of fifty feet
(50') to one hundred feet (100') and a central angle greater than forty-five (45/) degrees; and
(2)
Two feet (2') of additional width for curves with a horizontal inside radius of one hundred
feet (100') to two hundred feet (200') and a central angle greater than forty-five (45/) degrees.
The road shall have the full width widening beginning at the point of tangency of the curve requiring the
widening to the end point of tangency of that curve or subsequent curves requiring widening (if reverse curves are
used). A five-to-one (5:1) taper shall be used to transition from the base width into and out of the widened width.
4.10
Revised 1/2011
(b)
Unless otherwise approved by the County Fire Chief, where a private road, with a throat width
equal to or greater than eighteen feet (18') as measured thirty feet (30') from the edge of pavement, intersects a
public road, the edge of pavement radius shall begin with a line a minimum of twelve feet (12') from and parallel to
the physical centerline of the public road and a minimum radius of twenty-five feet (25') shall be provided from this
point to the point of tangency with the edge of pavement of the private road. A taper of not less than ten-to-one
(10:1) shall be provided along the public road when the public road is less than twenty-four feet (24') wide.
(c)
Where a private road, with a throat width measuring equal to or greater than twelve feet (12') and
less than eighteen feet (18') or a driveway with a throat width equal to or greater than ten feet (10') as measured
thirty feet (30') from the edge of pavement, intersects a public or private road, the edge of pavement radius shall
begin with a line a minimum of twelve feet (12') from and parallel to the physical centerline of the public or private
road and a minimum radius of twenty-five feet (25') shall be provided from this point to the point of tangency with
the edge of pavement of the private road or driveway. A taper of not less than ten-to-one (10:1) shall be provided
along the public or private road when the public or private road is less than twenty-four feet (24') wide. In lieu of a
ten-to-one (10:1) taper connecting private road or driveway to private road only, a radius of forty feet (40') may be
used.
(d)
Where a driveway, with a throat width measuring equal to or greater than ten feet (10') and less
than eighteen feet (18') as measured thirty feet (30') from the edge of pavement, intersects a private road, the edge
of pavement shall be a minimum radius of forty feet (40'). Any driveway with a throat width greater than eighteen
feet (18'), as measured thirty feet (30') from the edge of the pavement, that intersects a private road, shall comply
with the private road/public road requirements set forth in subsection (b) of this section.
(e)
Road and driveway horizontal curves and intersections may be reduced when proven by scientific
method of a recognized vehicle modeling program. The method shall be performed based on the length, width,
wheel base and turning radius of a standard Type 1 Fire Apparatus.
Sec. 13-33. Roadway and driveway structures (bridges).
(a)
All roadway and driveway structures shall be designed, constructed, and maintained in accordance
with applicable sections of the County Building Code, the Standard Specifications for Highway Bridges, and any
administrative regulations adopted pursuant to Section 13-2, and shall have a minimum designed live-load capacity
of HS 20. All roadway and driveway structures shall be constructed pursuant to a valid building permit. All
roadway and driveway structures shall be inspected according to the administrative and inspection provisions of the
County Building Code.
(b)
All roadway and driveway structures shall have appropriate signing identifying structure
capability, including weight and vertical clearance limits, and any one-way road or single traffic lane conditions.
(c)
All roadway bridges having only one traffic lane shall be constructed to provide a minimum
unobstructed width of twelve feet (12'), shall provide for unobstructed visibility from one end to the other and shall
have turnouts at both ends.
(d)
All driveway structures shall be constructed to provide a minimum of one (1) twelve foot (12’)
traffic lane and an unobstructed vertical clearance of fifteen feet (15') along the entire length of the driveway
structure. Any driveway structure with a minimum unobstructed width of twelve feet (12’) shall not exceed sixtyfive feet (65') in length.
(e)
Any road or driveway structure required to have a turnaround may have either a hammerhead/T, a
stub out, or terminus bulb. All turnarounds shall have a minimum turning radius of forty feet (bulbs shall be forty
feet (40') from the center point of the bulb, hammerhead/T and stub out shall have entry and exit curves of no less
than a forty foot (40') radius. If a hammerhead/T is used, the top of the “T” shall be a minimum of sixty feet (60') in
length. If a stub is used, then the length of the turnaround shall be forty feet (40'), as measured from the roadway or
driveway edge. The minimum width of either a hammerhead/T or a stub out shall be equivalent to the roadway or
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driveway entering the turnaround.
(f)
Any road or driveway structure required to have a turnout, shall have a turnout that is a minimum
of twenty feet (20') wide, including the roadway and the turnout, and thirty feet (30') long with a minimum taper of
twenty-five feet (25') on each end. The length of the turnout shall be measured along the roadway or driveway
centerline.
Sec. 13-34. Two-way roads.
(a)
In addition to meeting the applicable standards in the preceding sections, all two-way roads shall
have a right-of-way of not less than twenty-five (25') and shall be constructed to provide a roadway with a
minimum of two (2) nine foot (9') traffic lanes providing two-way traffic flow. When permitted in a subdivision’s
conditions of approval and approved by the appropriate county departments, as identified in the subdivision’s
conditions of approval, the subdivision may have a two-way road of not less than twelve feet (12') with turnouts and
turnarounds. Spacing of the turnarounds shall be as set forth in the subdivision’s conditions of approval. If the
subdivision’s conditions of approval do not set forth spacing requirements, then turnarounds shall be at a minimum
interval of one-thousand three hundred and twenty feet (1,320').
(b)
Any road or driveway structure required to have a turnaround may have either a hammerhead/T, a
stub out, or terminus bulb. All turnarounds shall have a minimum turning radius of forty feet (bulbs shall be forty
feet (40') from the center point of the bulb, hammerhead/T and stub out shall have entry and exit curves of no less
than a forty foot (40') radius. If a hammerhead/T is used, the top of the “T” shall be a minimum of sixty feet (60') in
length. If a stub is used, then the length of the turnaround shall be forty feet (40'), as measured from the roadway or
driveway edge. The minimum width of either a hammerhead/T or a stub out shall be equivalent to the roadway or
driveway entering the turnaround.
(c)
Any road or driveway structure required to have a turnout shall have a turnout that is a minimum
of twenty feet (20') wide, including the roadway and the turnout and thirty feet (30') long with a minimum taper of
twenty-five feet (25') on each end. The length of the turnout shall be measured along the roadway or driveway
centerline.
Sec. 13-35. One-way roads.
In addition to meeting the applicable standards in the preceding sections, all one-way roads shall comply
with the following requirements:
(a)
All one-way roads shall have a right-of-way of not less than twenty feet (20') and shall be
constructed to provide a roadway with a minimum of one (1) twelve foot (12') traffic lane providing one-way traffic
flow.
(b)
All one-way roads shall connect to a two-way road at both ends, and shall provide access to an
area zoned for no more than ten (10) dwelling units.
(c)
All one-way roads exceeding five hundred feet (500') in length shall have a turnout constructed at
approximately the midpoint of the road. Any one-way road exceeding one thousand feet (1,000') in length shall
also have turnouts constructed approximately every five hundred feet (500') along the entire length of the road.
(d)
No one-way road shall exceed two thousand six hundred forty feet (2,640') in length.
(e)
Any road or driveway structure required to have a turnout, shall have a turnout that is a minimum
of twenty feet (20') wide, including the roadway and the turnout and thirty feet (30') long with a minimum taper of
twenty-five feet (25') on each end. The length of the turnout shall be measured along the roadway or driveway
centerline.
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Sec. 13-36. Dead-end roads.
In addition to meeting the applicable standards in the preceding sections, all dead-end roads shall comply
with the following requirements:
(a)
All dead-end roads shall have a maximum length, including any dead-end roads accessed from the
original dead-end road, not exceeding the following cumulative lengths regardless of the number of parcels served:
(1)
Parcels zoned for less than one (1) acre - eight hundred feet (800');
(2)
Parcels zoned for one (1) acre to 4.99 acres - one thousand three hundred twenty feet
(3)
Parcels zoned for five (5) acres to 19.99 acres - two thousand six hundred forty feet
(4)
Parcels zoned for twenty (20) acres or larger - five thousand two hundred eighty feet
(1,320');
(2,640'); and
(5,280').
All lengths shall be measured from the edge of the roadway at the intersection that begins the dead-end
road to the farthest point on the dead-end road. Where a dead-end road crosses areas of differently zoned parcels,
requiring different length limits, the average size of the parcels served shall determine the maximum allowable
length of the road.
(b)
All dead-end roads serving parcels five (5) acres or larger shall have turnarounds constructed
approximately every one thousand three hundred twenty feet (1,320') along the entire length of the road.
(c)
All dead-end roads shall have a turnaround constructed at the terminus of the road. Any road or
driveway structure required to have a turnaround may have either a hammerhead/T, a stub out, or terminus bulb.
All turnarounds shall have a minimum turning radius of forty feet (bulbs shall be forty feet (40') from the center
point of the bulb, hammerhead/T and stub out shall have entry and exit curves of no less than a forty foot (40')
radius. If a hammerhead/T is used, the top-of the “T” shall be a minimum of sixty feet (60') in length. If a stub is
used, then the length of the turnaround shall be forty feet (40'), as measured from the roadway or driveway edge.
The minimum width of either a hammerhead/T or a stub out shall be equivalent to the roadway or driveway
entering the turnaround.
Sec. 13-37. Driveways.
In addition to meeting the applicable standards in the preceding sections, all driveways shall comply with
the following requirements:
(a)
All driveways shall be constructed to provide a minimum of one (1) twelve foot (12’) traffic lane
and an unobstructed vertical clearance of fifteen feet (15') along the entire length of the driveway.
(b)
All driveways exceeding one hundred fifty feet (150') in length shall have a turnout constructed at
approximately the midpoint of the driveway. Any driveway exceeding eight hundred feet (800') in length shall
have turnouts constructed approximately every four hundred feet (400') along the entire length of the driveway.
(c)
All driveways exceeding one hundred fifty feet (150') in length shall have a turnaround
constructed at each residential building served by the driveway.
(d)
Any road or driveway structure required to have a turnaround may have either a hammerhead/T, a
stub out, or terminus bulb. All turnarounds shall have a minimum turning radius of forty feet (bulbs shall be forty
feet (40') from the center point of the bulb, hammerhead/T and stub out shall have entry and exit curves of no less
than a forty foot (40') radius. If a hammerhead/T is used, the top-of the “T” shall be a minimum of sixty feet (60')
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in length. If a stub is used, then the length of the turnaround shall be forty feet (40'), as measured from the roadway
or driveway edge. The minimum width of either a hammerhead/T or a stub out shall be equivalent to the roadway
or driveway entering the turnaround.
Sec. 13-38. Gate entrances.
(a)
All gate entrances and similar structures shall be at least two feet (2') wider than the width of the
traffic lane(s) serving the gate or structure.
(b)
All gates providing access from a public road to a private road or private driveway shall be located
at least thirty feet (30') from the roadway and shall open to allow a vehicle to stop without obstructing traffic on the
roadway.
(c)
Where a gated entrance is locked, a lock box or other emergency release device approved by the
County Fire Chief shall be provided for emergency access.
Division C. Signing and Building Numbering.
Sec. 13-39. Intent.
This division establishes minimum signing and building numbering requirements to facilitate locating a fire
and to avoid delays in response.
Sec. 13-40. Names of roads.
(a)
All roads serving more than two (2) parcels shall be identified by a road name.
(b)
All public roads requiring a road name shall be named by the Board of Supervisors pursuant to
procedures established by resolution or ordinance of the Board of Supervisors. Any public road having a road name
may be renamed using the procedures for naming a public road.
(c)
All private roads requiring a road name shall be named by the Director of Permit and Resource
Management pursuant to procedures established by resolution or ordinance of the Board of Supervisors. Any
private road having a road name may be renamed using the procedures for naming a private road.
(d)
When naming or renaming any road, the Board of Supervisors or the Director of Permit and
Resource Management, as the case may be, shall use the following standards:
(1)
digits and suffixes.
(2)
(3)
where appropriate.
Road names shall not be greater than eighteen (18) characters in length, exclusive of road
Road names shall have simple spelling and easy pronunciation.
Road names shall be compatible with road and street names in cities and other counties
(4)
Road names shall not duplicate or cause confusion with existing road names. Road names
shall be deemed to be duplicates if they have different suffixes, but are otherwise the same.
(5)
Road names that are numbers or letters shall be avoided.
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(6)
Road names that are geographically misleading shall be avoided.
(7)
Road names that are inappropriate or offensive shall be prohibited.
(8)
A road having a continuous alignment shall bear the same name.
(9)
Road extensions shall bear the same name as the existing road.
(10)
bear the same name.
Roads or portions of roads to be connected in the future into a continuous alignment shall
(11)
Roads intersecting one another, or forming a deflection angle of greater than ninety (90)
degrees shall generally have different names.
(12)
suffix is court or place.
A cul-de-sac road may bear the same name as the road it intersects, provided that the
(13)
No road shall be named such that it will intersect itself or create an intersection with a
road having a duplicate name.
(14)
Any other standards established by resolution or ordinance of the Board of Supervisors.
Sec. 13-41. Size of letters, numbers and symbols for road signs.
All letters, numbers and symbols designating names on road signs shall be according to county road
standards.
Sec. 13-42. Visibility and legibility of road signs.
All road signs shall be visible and legible from both directions of vehicle travel for a distance of at least
one hundred feet (100'). All road signs shall indicate the road name and whether the road is public or private in
each direction of vehicle travel in conformance with county road standards.
Sec. 13-43. Orientation and height of road signs.
All road signs shall have an orientation and height in conformance with county road standards.
Sec. 13-44. Placement of road signs identifying intersecting roads.
All road signs identifying intersecting roads shall be placed at the intersection of such roads.
Sec. 13-45. Signs identifying traffic access limitations.
All road signs identifying traffic access or flow limitations, including but not limited to, weight or vertical
clearance limits, dead-end roads, one-way roads or single traffic lane conditions, shall be placed as follows:
(a)
At the intersection preceding the traffic access limitation; and
(b)
No more than one hundred feet (100') before such traffic access limitation.
Sec. 13-46. Addresses for buildings.
All buildings shall be identified by an address issued by the Director of Permit and Resource Management.
When issuing addresses, the Director of Permit and Resource Management shall use the following standards:
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Revised 1/2011
(a)
Addresses shall be compatible with addresses in cities and other counties where appropriate.
(b)
Addresses shall be assigned to reflect the road from which the primary driveway originates.
(c)
Addresses shall be issued in sequential order and have even numbers on one side of the road and
odd on the other. In general, the even numbers shall be on the north and east sides of roads and/or on the right
when facing in the direction of increasing magnitude. Existing addresses for roads requiring a road name change
that do not conform with the provisions of this subsection may be accepted if the sequence is in logical order and
the addresses are approved by the Director of Permit and Resource Management and the County Fire Chief.
(d)
All buildings other than accessory buildings shall be assigned separate addresses. Individual units
within residential and commercial buildings may be assigned subsidiary numbers or letters (e.g., apartment 10; suite
A). Where possible, individual units in multiple story buildings shall be assigned numbering sequences that
identify the floor by the leading digit(s).
(e)
Any other standards adopted by resolution or ordinance of the Board of Supervisors or by
administrative regulation of the Director of Permit and Resource Management.
Sec. 13-47. Size of letters, numbers and symbols for addresses.
(a)
Numbers for one and two- family dwellings. Numbers for one and two- family dwellings shall
be a minimum of 4 inches (101.6mm) high with a minimum stroke width of 0.5 inches (12.7 mm). Where access is
by means of a private road and the building cannot be viewed from the public way, a monument, pole, or other sign
or means shall be used to identify the structure.
(b)
Numbers for other than one and two- family dwellings. Numbers for other than one and twofamily dwellings shall be a minimum of 12 inches high with a minimum stroke width of 1 inch. Suite numbers for
other than one and two-family dwellings shall be a minimum of six 6” inches high and 0.5 inches stroke.
Exceptions:
1. These requirements may be modified with the approval of the Fire Code Official.
2. Illuminated address numbers are not required for existing buildings where approved; reflective
numbers are to be installed.
Sec. 13-48. Installation, location and visibility of addresses.
(a)
All buildings shall have a permanently posted address, which shall be placed on building and shall
be plainly visible and legible from the road on which the address is located or the primary driveway. The numbers
shall contrast with their background.
(b)
All buildings shall have a permanently posted address, which shall be placed at each driveway
entrance and shall be visible and legible from both directions of travel along the road on which the address is
located.
Exception: An approved internally lighted building address device may be used when such building
address device is located on the building and the building is located within thirty feet (30' of the edge of the road on
which the address is located.
(c)
All address signs along one-way roads shall be visible from both the intended direction of travel
and the opposite direction.
(d)
Where multiple addresses are required at a single driveway, such addresses shall be mounted on a
single approved post.
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Revised 1/2011
(e)
Where a road provides access solely to a commercial building, the address sign shall be placed at
the nearest road intersection providing access to the site.
Division D. Emergency Water Supply.
Sec. 13-50. Intent.
This division establishes minimum emergency water supply requirements to ensure a supply of water to
attack a fire or defend property from a fire.
Sec. 13-51. Emergency water supply.
(a)
All buildings shall have a permanent emergency water supply approved by the County Fire Chief,
which shall be installed, maintained and available for use as follows:
(1)
Except as otherwise provided in subsection (a)(3), where water is provided by a public
water system, the permanent emergency water supply shall be installed and available for use prior to the completion
of road construction;
(2)
Except as otherwise provided in subsection (a)(3), where water is provided by a water
system other than a public water system, the permanent emergency water supply shall be installed and available for
use prior to the commencement of construction of any permanent structure;
(3)
When authorized by the County Fire Chief, an interim emergency water supply acceptable
to the County Fire Chief may be substituted for the permanent emergency water supply provided the permanent
emergency water supply is installed and available for use prior to issuance of an occupancy permit or final
inspection;
(4)
When authorized by the County Fire Chief and local fire chief, the emergency water
supply requirements may be waived when sufficient evidence is proven the intent to Title 14 of the Natural
Resources Code, Division 1.5, Article 4 - Emergency Water Standards have been met.
(b)
If the water supply to the parcel is provided by a public or community water system (urban parcel
- see definitions) the emergency water supply for residential buildings shall consist of a permanent hydrant located
on the road within two hundred fifty feet (250') of the driveway measured from where the driveway intersects with
the public or private road. Distance measurements shall be determined by hose lay along the road, not horizontal
distance.
(c)
If the water supply to the parcel is provided by a private water well (non-urban parcel - see
definitions) an emergency water storage of not less than two thousand five hundred (2,500) gallon capacity shall be
provided. A single two-thousand-five-hundred (2,500) gallon tank may serve more than one building on the same
parcel, provided all hydrants are located in accordance with Section 13-52. When multiple tanks are utilized to
achieve the required volume of water, the connection between the tanks shall be an approved minimum four inch
(4") diameter water line.
(d)
Water tanks for emergency water supply placed inside the minimum setback requirement of
Section 13-55 shall be constructed of non-combustible material. A flammable vegetation clearance of not less than
twenty feet (20') shall be maintained around all poly-plastic or similar water tanks.
(e)
All permanent emergency water supplies for commercial buildings shall meet the requirements of
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Revised 1/2011
the Uniform Fire Code if the building is served by a public water system or NFPA 1142, “Standard on Water
Supplies for Suburban and Rural Fire Fighting” if the building is served by a water system other than a public water
system.
Sec. 13-52. Hydrants.
(a)
All buildings shall be protected by hydrants. The location, number, and type of hydrants for any
building shall be as required and approved by the County Fire Chief or the Director of Permit and Resource
Management.
(b)
All hydrants for residential and commercial buildings that are part of a public water system on
urban parcels shall have a fire flow which is the greater of either five hundred (500) gallons per minute with a
residual pressure of twenty (20) pounds per square inch or the minimums specified in Public Utilities Commission
of California revised General Order No. 103, adopted June 12, 1956 (corrected September 7, 1983, Decision 83-09­
001), Section VIII Fire Protection Standards and other applicable sections relating to fire protection water delivery
systems or the minimums for static water systems equaling or exceeding the National Fire Protection Association
Standard 1142, “Standard on Water Supplies for Suburban and Rural Fire Fighting”.
(c)
All hydrants for non-urban parcels shall comply with the following requirements:
(1)
Hydrant outlets shall be a minimum of eighteen inches (18") and a maximum of twentyfour inches (24") above grade, eight feet (8') from flammable vegetation, no closer than six feet (6') nor farther than
twelve feet (12') from the edge of the road or driveway, and in a location where emergency fire equipment using it
will not block the roadway. The hydrant serving any residential building shall be located at a turnout or
turnaround, along the driveway to the building, or along the road that intersects with the driveway. The hydrant
serving any residential building shall be connected to the emergency water supply by an approved minimum four
inch (4") diameter water line.
(2)
All hydrants shall be located between sixty feet (60') and one hundred fifty feet (150')
from the residential building. The fire hydrant shall be installed so that a fire engine utilizing the hydrant may
maintain a minimum distance of sixty feet (60') from the residential building. Distance measurements shall be
determined by hose lay along a road or driveway, not horizontal distance.
EXCEPTIONS:
1.
The distance to the hydrant, on a non-urban parcel with exclusively residential buildings
on it, may exceed one hundred fifty feet (150') by one hundred fifty feet (150') for each additional five hundred
(500) gallons of water storage capacity up to a maximum of two thousand five hundred and fifty feet (2,550') from
the residential building as allowed by Table 13-52a.
2.
A public fire hydrant can be used for the emergency water supply as allowed by Table 13­
52b, for non-urban parcels with exclusively residential buildings on them.
(d)
All hydrants shall have at least one (1) two and one-half inch (2½”) outlet with male National
Hose Threads and a cap. On water systems of greater than ten thousand five hundred (10,500) gallons, there shall
also be at least one (1) four and one-half inch (4½”) outlet with male National Hose Threads and a four and one half
inch (4 ½”) by two and one half inch (2½”) reducer with a cap.
(e)
All hydrants shall be a wet barrel hydrant or a draft hydrant as required by the delivery system and
shall have suitable crash protection. The maximum height differential between the water source and the draft
hydrant outlet shall be 10 feet. Draft hydrants shall be supplied by six inch (6") minimum pipe size, and be
equipped with a four and one-half inch (41/2”) National Hose male thread fitting with a cap.
(f)
Crash protection shall be per California Fire Code, Chapter Three, Section 312.
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Revised 1/2011
TABLE 13-52a1
DISTANCE TO HYDRANTS BASED ON VOLUME OF STORAGE DISTANCE IS FROM STRUCTURE TO HYDRANT
Gallons of Storage/Distance to Hydrant
2,500/150'
3,000/300'
3,500/450'
4,000/600'
4,500/750'
5,000/900'
5,500/1,050'
6,000/1,200'
6,500/1,350'
Note:
1.
7,000/1,500'
7,500/1,650'
8,000/1,800'
8,500/1,950'
9,000/2,100'
9,500/2,250'
10,000/2,400'
10,500/2,550'
This table applies only to parcels that have exclusively residential buildings on them.
TABLE 13-52b1
EXCEPTION TO HYDRANT DISTANCE2
DISTANCE IS MEASURED FROM DRIVEWAY ENTRANCE TO THE HYDRANT
Road
Distance
Flow RateMinimum
Residual Pressure
800 feet500 GPM20 PSI
1,800 feet1,000 GPM20 PSI
2,800 feet1,500 GPM20 PSI
3,800 feet2,000 GPM20 PSI
4,800 feet2,500 GPM20 PSI
Notes:
1.
This table applies only to parcels that have exclusively residential buildings on them.
2.
Distances within these ranges can be prorated based on volume of flow available.
Sec. 13-53. Signing of water sources.
Each hydrant or access to water for any residential or commercial building shall be identified as follows:
(a)
If located along a driveway, a reflective blue marker, with a minimum dimension of three inches
(3"), shall be located on the driveway address sign and mounted on a fire retardant post; or
(b)
If located along a road either of the following are acceptable:
(1)
A reflective blue marker, with a minimum dimension of three inches (3"), shall be
mounted on a fire retardant post. The sign post shall be within three feet (3') of the hydrant, with the sign no less
than three feet (3') nor greater than five feet (5') above ground, aimed toward headlights, in a horizontal position
and visible from the driveway, or
(2)
As specified in the State Fire Marshal's Guidelines for Fire Hydrant Markings Along State
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Highways and Freeways, May 1988.
Division E. Fuel Modification.
Sec. 13-54. Intent.
This division establishes minimum fuel modification requirements to reduce the possibility and intensity of
a wildfire, to provide increased safety for emergency fire equipment, personnel and evacuating civilians, and to
provide a point of attack against or defense from a wildfire.
Sec. 13-55. Setback for building defensible space.
(a)
On parcels less than one (1) acre, all buildings shall have a setback from any property line or the
centerline of any road of not less than the applicable minimum setbacks specified in Chapter 26 of the County
Building Code.
(b)
On parcels one (1) acre or larger all buildings and accessory buildings shall have setbacks to the
property line and/or exterior wall protection according to Table 13-55.
EXCEPTION: Commercial building and R-1 occupancy residential building setbacks in local
responsibility areas shall be according to Section 503 of the County Building Code.
TABLE 13-55
SETBACKS AND EXTERIOR WALL PROTECTION REQUIREMENTS1
Location2
Fire Resistance of
Exterior Walls3
Openings in
Exterior Walls4
Less than 10'
1 hour construction
Not Allowed
10' to less than 20'
1 hour construction
Protected
20' to less than 30'
1 hour construction
Allowed
30' or more
None
Allowed
Notes:
1.
Where setbacks and exterior wall and opening protection of the County Building Code are more stringent,
the more stringent requirement shall apply as if part of this Code.
2.
Distance to property line shall be measured at a right angle from the property line.
3.
1-hour exterior walls and projections there from shall conform to the requirements of the county building
code.
4.
Openings shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 7 of the County Building Code.
Sec. 13-56. Flammable vegetation clearance areas for roads and driveways.
All roads and driveways shall have a flammable vegetation clearance area on each side of the road or
driveway of not less than ten feet (10') unless otherwise authorized by the Director of Permit and Resource
Management.
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Sec. 13-57. Setbacks for planted vegetation from electric power lines—Installation of new power lines.
All electric utility companies shall make every reasonable effort to select routes and types of conductors
that minimize the risk of fire when installing new overhead electric utilities.
Sec. 13-58. Disposal of flammable vegetation and fuels.
All disposal, including chipping, burying, burning or removal to a landfill site, of flammable vegetation
and fuels caused by site development and construction, road and driveway construction, or fuel modification shall
be completed prior to completion of road or driveway construction, or foundation inspection for a building permit,
whichever occurs first.
Sec. 13-59. Greenbelts.
Any development which designates a facility or land use as a greenbelt shall locate the greenbelt
strategically, as a separation between wildland fuels and buildings. The Director of Permit and Resource
Management shall approve the location of any greenbelt.
Sec. 13-59.5. Defensible Space.
(a)
A Fire Protection Plan shall be required for any new residential or commercial building within a
State Responsibility Area (SRA) or a Very High Severity Zone of a Local Responsibility Area (LRA). The plan
shall be prepared by a qualified professional and shall be approved by the County Fire Chief. The plan shall
include, at a minimum, defensible space zones, identification of vegetation types, replacement of non-native
flammable vegetation with approved fire resistive vegetation, and a maintenance program for all vegetation. When
required by the Code Official, the property owner shall record a covenant, in a form satisfactory to County Counsel,
which ensures that the approved plan will be implemented and maintained.
(b)
The fire protection plan shall be based upon a site-specific wildfire risk assessment that includes
considerations of location, topography, aspect, flammable vegetation, climatic conditions and fire history. The plan
shall address water supply, access, building ignition and fire-resistance factors, fire protection systems and
equipment, defensible space and vegetation management.
(c)
A copy of the fire protection plan shall be retained by the property owner.
(d)
The cost of fire protection plan preparation and review shall be the responsibility of the applicant.
All existing buildings shall meet the requirements of Public Resources Code (PRC 4291) for defensible space.
(e)
All existing buildings shall meet the requirements of the California Fire Code, Chapter 49, Section
4906 and 4907.
Sec. 13-60. Roofing.
All structures regulated by the County Building Code shall have roof coverings that comply with the
requirements of Chapter 7 of this Code.
Division F. Other Fire Protection Measures.
Sec. 13-61. Intent.
This division establishes alternate fire protection measures for use in place of standards specified in this
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article which cannot be met and additional fire protection measures to mitigate parcel specific fire protection
problems.
Sec. 13-62. Alternate fire protection measures.
When authorized, pursuant to Section 13-23, any of the following alternate fire protection measures
may be used as exceptions to the standards specified in this article or as mitigated practices:
(a)
Increased emergency water supply requirements;
(b)
Installation of a sprinkler system that meets the requirements of the National Fire Protection
Association and includes protection of eaves;
(c)
Increased flammable vegetation clearance areas for buildings;
(d)
Increased flammable vegetation clearance areas for roads and driveways;
(e)
Use of fire resistive vegetation;
(f)
Installation of fire resistive exterior siding;
(g)
Use of fire resistive deck and eave construction;
(h)
Construction of additional turnouts and turnarounds;
(i)
Creation of areas of safe refuge;
(j)
Installation of a centrally monitored fire alarm system;
(k)
Provision of a secondary means of ingress and egress to the parcel.
Sec. 13-63. Additional fire protection measures.
When the County Fire Chief determines that access constraints, hazard severity or topography and terrain
adversely affect the ability of emergency fire equipment and personnel to respond to an emergency on a parcel, the
County Fire Chief may require additional fire protection measures as follows:
(a)
Where conditions delay, limit or prohibit access by emergency fire equipment and personnel to a
parcel, the County Fire Chief may require any of the following fire protection measures in addition to the other
standards specified in this article:
(1)
Increased emergency water supply;
(2)
Installation of an automatic sprinkler system that meets the requirements of the National
Fire Codes and local regulations;
(b)
(3)
Increased flammable vegetation clearance areas for buildings;
(4)
Use of fire-resistive vegetation;
(5)
Use of fire-resistive deck and eave construction;
(6)
Installation of fire-resistive exterior siding;
(7)
Installation of a centrally monitored fire alarm system;
(8)
Creation of areas of safe refuge;
(9)
Vegetation management plan.
Where a parcel is located within a high or very high fire hazard severity zone as defined by the
4.22
Revised 1/2011
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, the County Fire Chief may require any of the following fire
protection measures in addition to the other standards specified in this article:
(1)
Any of the fire protection measures specified in subsection (a);
(2)
Construction of additional turnouts and turnarounds;
(3)
Provision of a secondary means of ingress and egress to the parcel;
(4)
Vegetation management plan.
(c)
Where features of topography or terrain create conditions on a parcel which the County Fire Chief
determines warrant additional fire protection measures, the County Fire Chief may consider the parcel to be an area
of high or very high fire hazard severity and require any of the fire protection measures specified in subsection (b)
in addition to the other standards specified in this article.
4.23
Revised 1/2011